Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has launched a mobile version of its website, www.dana-farber.org, to help meet the needs of the growing number of people who rely on their smartphones to organize their lives. The site is optimized for use on iPhones, BlackBerrys, Droids and other small-screen devices, providing fast and easy access to information about Dana-Farber's cancer care programs and related services.

The mobile site uses a simplified landing page featuring bright bold buttons that highlight key information, such as directions to Dana-Farber, a physician database, and a listing of supportive services. The site's design greatly reduces the need to scroll and click excessively to find things.

"There are 100 million smartphone users in the United States, and this number is expanding quickly," says Steven R. Singer, senior vice president of communications at Dana-Farber. "By formatting the information most commonly sought on our website for a mobile device, we can help make Dana-Farber more accessible to our current and prospective patients."

The mobile site, www.dana-farber.org/mobile, seeks to allow patients, and others, to access key information before, during and after care. The site provides links to key Dana-Farber phone numbers, addresses and even recommendations to local restaurants.

"Offering faster, easier access to information about Dana-Farber while they are on the go can add a layer of comfort during a potentially stressful period in patients' lives, and provides greater control in managing their medical care," says Caren Cummings, director of interactive communications at Dana-Farber.

The mobile website also includes links to the desktop version of the website, which offers more than 4,000 pages of cancer-related content. Along with relevant cancer care and research information, the site also offers an extensive health library with "how-to" and news videos, "meet the doctor" video profiles, a section on survivorship, and recipes from Dana-Farber nutritionists.